U.S. Military Response To Russia? Warplanes May Be Sent To Europe

The Air Force may be sending warplanes to Europe as a show of force against Russia. Tensions have been mounting between Russia and the United States and NATO over the ongoing hostilities in the Ukraine. As previously reported by the Inquisitr, President Vladimir Putin is beefing up his nuclear arsenal in what Russian military officials have deemed a “new arms race.” Speculation about the U.S. sending F22s to the Russian border have made international headlines this week.

The Pentagon has reportedly been “rotating” military aircraft around Europe for Operation Atlantic Resolve armed forces exercises. The exercises have been referred to as “America’s commitment to European security.”

“The biggest threat on my mind is what’s happening with Russia and the activities of Russia,” Deborah James, Secretary of the Air Force, said. “It’s extremely worrisome on what’s going on in the Ukraine.”

Some of the U.S. warplanes which will reportedly be going to Europe include the B-2 and B-52 bombers, F-15Cs and A-10 attack planes. The F-22 Raptor may soon be going overseas as well. F-22 Raptors reportedly cost about $143 million each.

“In a complex global environment, as a service, it is important to always consider a range of options and remain ready to meet any possible combatant commander requirements,” U.S. Air Force spokesman Lt. Col. Christopher Karns said.

“I could easily see the day – though I couldn’t tell you the day exactly – when the F-22, for example, rotates in is a possibility. I don’t see why that couldn’t happen in the future,” James added. “The F-22 cannot be matched by any known or projected fighter aircraft.”

Russian President Vladimir responded to the possible deployment of the F-22s during an interview with Sputnik TV.

“Their deployment will certainly be an additional impetus for Moscow to speed up the process of developing and putting on service the Russian response, the fifth-generation T-50 fighter.”

F-22s are currently stationed at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia; Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida; Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii; and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. The warplanes reportedly often deploy to Kadena Air Base in Japan.

In May a Russian fighter jet flew within 10 feet of a U.S. Air Force reconnaissance aircraft in the Black Sea over international airspace. Several weeks prior, a U.S. RC-135U was intercepted by a Russian Su-27 Flanker during a routine flight in international airspace as well. Military officials deemed the incident as an act which was “unsafe and unprofessional.”

What do you think about the mounting tensions between the United State and Russia? Is World War 3 looming?